By Mark DaCosta- On May 13, 2026, Amanza Walton-Desir, the head of the Forward Guyana Movement and its lone Member of Parliament, made a pointed statement urging immediate attention to the critical issues of child protection and adolescent welfare.
Walton-Desir, an attorney and a notable political figure, garnered attention when she resigned from the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) in June 2025 to establish her political movement, Forward Guyana. This initiative marked a significant shift in Guyanese politics, allowing independent parties to gain a foothold in the National Assembly during the September 2025 elections. Her advocacy focuses on government transparency, social justice, and protecting vulnerable populations, which is evident in her recent concerns regarding the welfare of our youth.
In her statement, Walton-Desir highlighted the alarming silence surrounding over 30 critical questions she tabled in the National Assembly in April regarding adolescent pregnancy, abuse, and systemic failures in care. Her questions followed a series of tragic incidents that have exposed the fragile state of child welfare, including the death of a 14-year-old shortly after childbirth, a horrifying attack on a 15-year-old mother, and the escape of another 15-year-old from the state’s care system.
Despite the severity of these issues, she lamented that “meaningful answers have not been provided,” raising further concerns when the Head of the Childcare and Protection Agency admitted, “we are failing our children.”
This troubling lack of accountability begs a critical examination of our governmental systems and the failures inherent within them. The question arises: where exactly is the broken link? Is it within reporting mechanisms, intervention strategies, or perhaps a lack of coordination among the various agencies tasked with child welfare?
Walton-Desir pointed out that “no single ministry bears complete responsibility for these issues,” reflecting the necessity for a collaborative approach among health, education, social services, and law enforcement. Unless these systems entwine effectively, vulnerable children remain at risk, deprived of essential protections.
As Parliament has remained inactive for nearly three months, the pressing issue of unanswered questions looms larger. This stagnation not only erodes public trust but also threatens the welfare of adolescents across our nation. Walton-Desir’s assertion that “Parliament exists to ensure scrutiny, accountability, and answers on behalf of the people of Guyana” is particularly relevant in a context where political inaction exacerbates societal issues. The failure to convene raises serious doubts about the ruling party’s commitment to addressing urgent national concerns.
The ramifications of this dysfunction extend beyond mere oversight; they directly impact the lives of the most vulnerable. Walton-Desir’s emphasis on institutional integrity highlights a reality where children are exposed to violence and neglect without adequate protective measures. Her comments serve as a heavy indictment of the ruling administration, which prioritises political interests over genuine accountability. A government that neglects its responsibility to safeguard its youth must be scrutinised and called to action.
Walton-Desir has repeatedly said that the time has come for our government to break its silence and address these pressing issues. The voices of our youth — those who have suffered due to systemic neglect — call for meaningful action.
She has expressed that as engaged citizens, we must hold our leaders accountable for the commitments they make, especially when it concerns our children’s futures. The urgency of this discussion cannot be overstated; the time for effective reform is now.
